Rick Pitino Dismisses St. John’s Game as Big East Trap
St. John’s is gearing up for an important showdown against Marquette in the Big East Conference. Head coach Rick Pitino emphasized the significance of this match, asserting that Marquette holds more importance than other upcoming games, including UConn. He pointed out Marquette’s recent performances, including their close game against Villanova, showing they cannot be taken lightly.
Marquette’s Impact on NCAA Tournament Outlook
Pitino expressed his concern that a defeat against the Golden Eagles could detrimentally affect St. John’s NCAA Tournament prospects. Currently, Marquette stands at 6-11, trailing below .500. A loss may hinder the Red Storm’s chances as they look toward March Madness.
- Marquette’s recent record: 6 wins, 11 losses
- St. John’s upcoming games: Villanova and Seton Hall
- St. John’s betting line favoring them by 15.5 points
Maintaining Focus Against Marquette
Despite being favored, the Red Storm understands the importance of respecting every opponent. Player Zuby Ejiofor highlighted that any team in their league could pose a challenge. Pitino insists on a consistent mental approach to every game, treating all rivals as potential threats.
Player Developments
As the team prepares, attention turns to player dynamics. Joson Sanon didn’t see significant playing time in the last match against Creighton, logging just six minutes, a personal low for this season. This shift may indicate that Lefteris Liotopoulos is ascending in the depth chart.
Pitino commented on Sanon’s potential, noting his physical talent compared to the team’s needs for skill development. Sanon’s desire to improve will determine his future contributions to the team’s success.
Spotlight on Nigel James Jr.
Freshman guard Nigel James Jr. from Marquette has been a standout performer to watch. Following a remarkable 31-point game against Villanova, he currently averages 13.5 points, four assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His performance could be crucial for Marquette as they face St. John’s.
With both teams positioned in the competitive landscape of the Big East, the upcoming game promises to be a critical one, influencing both teams’ trajectories for the rest of the season.
